When you think of Cuba, you likely envision the historic cities of Havana and Santiago, the beautiful beaches of Varadero, and the sunny cays. However, what if we told you that Cuba is home to a remarkable natural treasure in Pinar del Río? 

This province, situated in the western part of the island, is part of the region known as the Triangle of Tobacco, renowned for producing the finest tobacco leaves used in Cuban cigars.

Did you know that Cuba produces around 5 million cigars annually? Pinar del Río is proud to be recognized as one of the leading producers of cigar leaves in the country. 

Now, let’s turn our attention back to nature!

Just three hours from Cuba's capital, Havana, lies a charming town known as Viñales, a true natural gem of the island.

Viñales is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views and vibrant greenery. It is the first area to have emerged from the ocean, and in December 1999, UNESCO designated the landscape as a National Park. This region is safeguarded by the Environmental Ministry of Cuba. 

Viñales is the perfect destination for those looking for adventure in an eco-friendly environment.

Here’s  what our fellow Travel Agent, Maria Harrison from Expedia said about the destination:

Maria Harrison in Viñales, Cuba

“I would say that young couples, couples with teenagers or any group of people that are looking for action or something interesting to do in the Viñales area would be best suited for this area.

There is Zip Lining, Horse Back Riding with a tour of a local farm that has Tobacco, honey, coffee etc, the Painted Mural, a Boat Ride in a cave and cave exploring among other activities. The scenery is astonishing. It's like being in the jungle.

Along with a few Boutique Hotels including Los Jasmine's and Mystique Central there are other properties available in the Viñales area.

Cuba has so much history, culture and land that has not been explored by many visitors who love Cuba so much.  This is a great area coupled with Havana which also has so much history and so many old landmarks.”

El Fortin Canopy Tour, Zip Lining, Viñales, Cuba

Underground boat river ride, Viñales, Cuba

Where to stay

As Maria noted earlier, the destination features a variety of boutique hotels, with two of the most popular being Hotel Los Jazmines by Mystique and Mystique Viñales Central. Hotel Los Jazmines is located nearest to the mountains, providing stunning views from both the rooms and private villas. In contrast, Mystique Viñales Central is positioned in the heart of downtown, offering easy access to authentic private restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy traditional Cuban music and embrace its culture.

 
Hotel Los Jazmines by Mystique, Viñales, Cuba

What to do

As the greenest destination in Cuba, Viñales offers the same style activities like zip lining, hiking, horseback riding, cave exploration (Viñales has the biggest group of caves in Cuba), an underground river boat ride, jeep safari, biking is very popular in this areas, trekking, and of course a visit to the tobacco and honey farms.

At the Hector Luis farm, you will be able to observe how Cubans produce leaves for cigars, learn about the leaf deveining process, and even see how to professionally roll a cigar. You definitely have to stay for lunch and try authentic Cuban cuisine paired with the local coffee (with quite a unique presentation).

Hector Luis farm, Viñales, Cuba

A trip to Viñales would be incomplete without a visit to Valle del Silencio, where you can enjoy horseback riding and witness the production of local honey, which is in very limited supply due to being made by rare bee species and harvested just once a year. You can also see the hand-crafted production of Arabica and Robusta coffee, done entirely without technology, and, of course, taste the rum that is unique to the region, as it is made from a rare small guava fruit.

Rum and honey, Valle del Silencio, Viñales, Cuba

Horseback riding, Valle del Silencio, Viñales, Cuba

Be sure to include this stop on your itinerary: The Mural of Prehistory!

This mural is one of the largest in the world and depicts the life of the first inhabitants of the Cuban archipelago. In the early days of 1959, Dr. Antonio Núñez Jimenez shared with Fidel Castro his discoveries in the Viñales mountains, where he had found fish fossils, a large saurian skull, and evidence of aboriginal settlements in local caves. This conversation inspired the creation of a pictorial mural.

The Mural of Prehistory, Viñales, Cuba

Are these remarkable features of Viñales enough to persuade you to plan a short trip? Global Agents say ABSOLUTELY! Book today with Hola Sun Holidays, the Cuba Specialist.

By Kateryna Ivchenko